§ 15-252. Findings, purposes and objectives.

(a)

Shoreline vegetation is necessary for the health and viability of a lake system. Sediments and nutrients, contributed both by stormwater runoff and recirculation within the lakes' waters, are removed by shoreline vegetation and associated areas by means of filtration and recycling through the shoreline vegetation.

(b)

Both wave action and stormwater runoff will cause extensive erosion of nutrient-laden soils, particularly where those soils have been destabilized by removal of shoreline vegetation.

(c)

Erosion of lakeshore soils not only contributes to the slow filling-in of lakes, but the soils also entrap and entrain quantities of organic materials which contribute to the nutrient load of a lake. This soil stabilization, in conjunction with the natural uptake and assimilative capacities of shoreline vegetation, reduces the quantity of nutrients available for both cultural and natural eutrophication.

(d)

Shoreline vegetation both protects and improves lake water quality and should be protected from substantial clearing.

(e)

The board of county commissioners is authorized, pursuant to general law, to regulate and control conservation and beach erosion control programs.

(f)

The board of county commissioners is authorized, pursuant to Laws of Fla. chs. 57-1643, 63-1711, 65-2017 and 67-1829, all as amended, to regulate and control all lakes, canals, streams, waterways, inlets, bays, and their alteration by dredging, filling, pumping and otherwise altering the shoreline, land contours and/or water areas in the interest of public rights, public welfare, protection of public riparian property rights, and preservation of the natural beauty and attractiveness of the lakes, canals, streams, waterways, inlets and bays.

Editor's note— The special acts referenced in the above subsection are compiled in the Code as follows:

Laws of Fla.   ch.	Code
57-1643	ch. 33, art. II
63-1711	ch. 33, art. IV
65-2017	ch. 33, art. III
67-1829	ch. 15, art. VI

 

(g)

In order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, preserve the natural beauty and attractiveness of waters of the county, and maintain lake water quality and reduce nutrient loading in public lakes, the Orange County Lakeshore Protection Regulations are hereby enacted as one (1) measure to protect the legitimate public interest by restricting the amount of clearing or removal of shoreline vegetation.

(Code 1965, § 36-162; Ord. No. 83-25, § 2, 5-31-83)